Democracy is stronger when its defenders work in solidarity across borders.
Democracy in the United States is under serious stress. Increasing strain on democratic norms and values, deepening polarization, and a profound erosion of public trust in foundational institutions have exposed critical vulnerabilities. At the same time, around the world, civic leaders and institutions have learned how to resist authoritarian tactics, protect the freedom to organize, sustain public participation, and rebuild trust. For decades, U.S.-based democracy practitioners worked alongside many of these partners. Today, as Americans confront threats to democracy that practitioners have spent decades addressing elsewhere, those same partners bring experience and perspective that U.S. civil society needs.
The exchange of lessons now flows in both directions—and it matters beyond the United States. Authoritarian leaders learn from one another, borrow tactics, and point to democratic failures elsewhere to justify their own actions. People defending democracy should be every bit as connected—sharing experience, supporting one another, and responding together when democracy is threatened. Stronger relationships across borders help U.S. groups respond more effectively while reinforcing the broader global community working to defend democracy.
The International Solidarity Initiative connects U.S. civil society groups and public institutions with pro-democracy organizations, movements, and institutions around the world. We create opportunities for practitioners, analysts, and policymakers to compare experiences, share strategies, and learn from one another.
We also support joint advocacy for democratic reform and against authoritarian threats when groups in the United States or abroad can benefit from international attention and solidarity. The goal is practical, two-way cooperation: sharing knowledge, coordinating action, and supporting one another when democracy is threatened.
The International Solidarity Initiative is a team of democracy practitioners who have spent their careers working alongside civil society organizations, democratic movements, and public institutions confronting authoritarianism around the world. Members have seen firsthand what pro-democracy movements can accomplish when they support one another across borders.
Those experiences—and the relationships built through them—provide the foundation for this work.
A declaration by U.S. civil society groups standing with Albanian citizens who are challenging luxury development plans linked to Jared Kushner and calling for transparent legal review, public accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
We welcome ideas, partnerships, and opportunities for joint action from democracy practitioners, civic groups, and others working to strengthen democracy in the United States and around the world.